By V. Sivaji
Shenzhen Airlines resumed its direct flights to Penang International Airport today (Saturday July 27, 2024).
The recommencement of the route by the airline will surely add more vibrancy to the tourism industry here. They fly three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flight ZH335 landed at 1.19pm carrying a 90 % capacity on board from the southern city Shenzhen, China.
Present to welcome the passengers was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai along with Zhu Wenming, General Manager of Air China Kuala Lumpur Sales, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan among others.
In his address Wong hailed the growing number of Chinese tourists coming to Penang.
“From January to June this year, we have some 44,847 visitors from China through Penang International Airport. This is a 244% increase when compared to the same period last year.
“Next month, we will see the direct flights of Shanghai Airlines coming to Penang.The Greater Bay area encompassing Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing covers an area of 56,000 sq kilometers and is home to 86 million people.
“I believe the Greater Bay Area represents a significant and untapped market for Penang’s tourism industry, especially with the increasing number of direct flights”, said Wong.
The arrival of the A320 plane was given the traditional water salute upon arrival at the PIA. Guests were greeted by the kompang troupe and presented with souvenirs.
The airline flies a fleet of 220 A320 and A330 planes. They service 300 routes to the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and South East Asia.
Also present at the welcoming ceremony was Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director , Shahrul Aman, Dr Annuar Mohamed (Penang MOTAC director), Ms Carolyn Leong (Penang MATTA chairman) among others.
Other Chinese airlines flying directly to PIA are Juneyao Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
